Pisa holidays

How to reach Pisa

• Flight time: Direct flights to Pisa from Dublin take just over 2.5 hours. Flights from Cork or Shannon may require a stopover and take longer, but there are seasonal options offering more direct access.

• Transfer time: Pisa's Galileo Galilei Airport is very close to the city centre. The highly convenient Pisamover monorail runs every 5–8 minutes from 6 am until midnight, and takes just 5 minutes to reach Pisa Centrale railway station. Alternatively, a taxi ride will take around 10 minutes.

• Price: The Pisamover costs €6.50 one-way. You can either buy your ticket online in advance, or from machines in the station. A taxi from the airport to the city centre will cost between €10 and €15.

Best time to visit Pisa

Whether you're after hot temperatures and a buzzing atmosphere, or prefer to see the sights in cooler, quieter conditions, it's worth considering how the different seasons may impact your holidays to Pisa.

• April to June is a fantastic time to visit Pisa, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. The spring flowers are in bloom, and the weather is comfortable for sightseeing. Expect low levels of rainfall and up to 10 hours of daily sunshine.

• July to August can be hot, with temperatures often reaching 30°C or more. These are also Pisa's busiest months, with many tourists flocking to see the Leaning Tower and other attractions. Rainfall is minimal and you can enjoy up to 12 hours of sunshine on most days.

• September to November offers milder weather, with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 26°C. The crowds have reduced, making it a more relaxing time to explore. Rainfall increases slightly, while daily sunshine drops to around 6–8 hours.

• December to March is the off-season in Pisa, with cooler temperatures between 5°C and 15°C. This period is great if you prefer a quieter atmosphere and don't mind the chillier weather.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Italian is the official language, but many people speak English. Knowing a few basic Italian phrases can be helpful, though, and is much appreciated by the locals.

• Local habits and customs: Italians are known for their friendly and relaxed demeanour. Shops typically close for a long lunch break from around 1 pm to 3:30 pm, to observe 'riposo' (the Italian version of Spain's 'siesta'). Because of this, dinner is usually eaten later than in Ireland, often at around 8 pm or 9 pm.

• Health and safety: Pisa is generally very safe, but as with any busy tourist spot, be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas.

• Currency: Italy uses the Euro. ATMs are widely available and credit cards are accepted in most places, but it's wise to carry some cash for small purchases.

• Getting around: Pisa is a walkable city, but buses and a small network of trains are available for longer distances. A single bus ticket costs €1.20 and is valid for 70 minutes, or if you're travelling as a family, you can get books of four tickets for €4. Buy tickets at newsstands or via the Autolinee Toscane app.

• Electricity and plug types: Italy uses the standard European 220 volts with two-pin plugs, so Irish visitors will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Pisa is on Central European Time (CET), which is one hour ahead of GMT.

Best things to do in Pisa

The city of Pisa offers a lot more than its famous Leaning Tower. Head to this Tuscan gem and you'll find a wonderful blend of fascinating history, rich culture and delicious Italian cuisine. Here's a guide to some of the best things to do on your Pisan getaway:

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Leaning Tower of Pisa: The most iconic and recognisable sight in Pisa – or indeed Italy. Climb the 294 steps to the top for a unique perspective on the city and its surroundings.

• Campo dei Miracoli ('Field of Miracles'): From the green lawns of this UNESCO World Heritage site visitors can take in the impressive Cathedral, Baptistery and Monumental Cemetery that sit alongside the Leaning Tower.

The best districts

• San Martino: This historic district is perfect for exploring on foot. It's home to charming streets, local shops and some of Pisa's best eateries.

• Santa Maria: Situated close to the university, this lively area is full of students. It's a great place to experience the local nightlife and find trendy bars and restaurants.

Museums

• Museo dell'Opera del Duomo (Cathedral Museum): Located in Piazza dei Miracoli, this museum houses incredible works of art and artefacts from the Cathedral, Baptistery and other religious sites.

• Palazzo Blu (Blue Palace): So-called for its striking sky-blue painted faşade, this cultural centre hosts a variety of art exhibitions that include both ancient and contemporary works. It's a must-see for art lovers.

Historical monuments

• Pisa Cathedral: An architectural masterpiece with a stunning faşade and richly decorated interior. Don't miss Giovanni Pisano's intricate pulpit.

• Baptistery of St. John: The largest baptistery in Italy is famed for its remarkable acoustics and beautiful Gothic architecture.

Day trips in the area

• Lucca: Located just a short train ride away, the town of Lucca is known for its well-preserved Renaissance walls, charming old town and picturesque piazzas. Looking for more destinations? Consider our holidays to Lucca for your next getaway.

• Cinque Terre: These coastal villages are perfect for a day trip out of the city and offer stunning views, hiking trails and beaches.

Activities for families in Pisa

With a mix of striking sights, beautiful gardens and vibrant atmosphere, Pisa holidays are a great choice for families. Once there you'll find plenty of activities to keep everyone interested and entertained.

• Giardino Scotto (Scotto Garden): A historic green space situated in the heart of the city, surrounded by the remains of a medieval fortress. With playgrounds, shaded picnic areas and plenty of open space to run around, this park is the perfect place for families to spend a few hours. Look out for open-air events in the summer too.

• Museo delle Sinopie (Sinopie Museum): A fascinating museum where visitors can learn about the immense frescoes from the Camposanto Monumentale. It's educational and engaging for both children and adults.

• Cittadella Nuova (New Citadel): Explore the ancient fortress surrounding the Scotto Garden and enjoy the views from the top. It's a fun way to learn about Pisa's history while enjoying the outdoors.

Free things to do in Pisa

Pisa holidays are easy to do on a budget. The city offers numerous free or low-cost activities that let you explore the sights and soak in its culture without spending a fortune.

• Campo dei Miracoli ('Field of Miracles'): Simply strolling around this iconic square is a delight. Admire the stunning architecture of the Leaning Tower, Cathedral and Baptistery.

• Lungarno: Take a walk down the streets alongside the Arno River, enjoying the beautiful views of the city's historic buildings and bridges.

• Borgo Stretto: Wander through this historic street lined with shops, cafes and elegant architecture. It's a great place to soak up Pisa's local atmosphere.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking in the Pisan Hills: Just outside the city, the Pisan Hills offer scenic trails with incredible views of the countryside. Popular routes include the paths around Monte Pisano and the area near Vicopisano.

• Cycling: Rent a bike and explore Pisa's extensive network of cycle paths on two wheels. Routes let you take in the impressive sight of the Arno River, or wind through the city's historic districts.

• Marina di Pisa (Pisa Marina): Situated a short drive from the city, this coastal area is perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. Lie on its beaches, or try out water sports like windsurfing and sailing.

Local dishes in Pisa

A trip to Pisa promises an enticing and exciting culinary experience. From traditional Tuscan fare to delicious wines made from locally-grown grapes, take time to sample the city's rich gastronomic heritage.

Some typical dishes

• Cecina: A savoury chickpea flour pancake that's crispy on the outside and soft inside. This local favourite is often enjoyed as a snack or starter.

• Ribollita: A hearty Tuscan soup made with bread, beans and vegetables. It's a comforting dish – perfect for warming up on a cool day.

• Pappa al Pomodoro: A thick, rich tomato and bread soup, seasoned with garlic, basil and olive oil. A simple but delicious dish.

Meat dishes

• Cinghiale alla Cacciatora: A traditional and flavourful Tuscan dish of wild boar stewed with tomatoes, red wine and aromatic herbs.

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina: A large, T-bone steak grilled to perfection. This is a must-try for meat lovers, and is best served rare or medium-rare.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Cacciucco: A rich seafood stew comprising various types of fish and shellfish cooked in a tomato base. It's a hearty dish that showcases the region's fresh seafood.

• Baccala alla Livornese: Salted cod cooked with tomatoes, garlic and parsley. Simple yet delicious, it's often served with polenta.

Street food

• Panino con Lampredotto: A traditional Florentine street food that's also popular in Pisa. This sandwich is filled with slow-cooked cow's stomach and often topped with a spicy sauce.

• Porchetta: Roasted pork with crispy skin, often served in a sandwich. It's a delicious and filling street food option.

Sweets and desserts

• Torta co' Bischeri: This traditional Pisan pie is filled with rice, chocolate pine nuts, and raisins. Try it as a sweet and satisfying dessert.

• Cantucci: Crunchy almond biscuits that can be dipped into Vin Santo, a sweet dessert wine.

Local drinks

• Chianti: This red wine from the nearby Chianti region pairs well with many Tuscan dishes.

• Vin Santo: A sweet dessert wine, often served with cantucci biscuits.

• Vernaccia di San Gimignano: This crisp white wine from the nearby town of San Gimignano makes for a refreshing aperitivo.